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The Mule


CubeDweller

New Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2021
Messages
16
Reaction score
18
Points
3
Location
Franklin, NC
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
IMG_20210416_174849.jpg

1990 XLT, 4.0, A4LD, auto hubs.
My father-in-law's, but he's giving it to me.
My mother-in-law gave it the name, as he uses it to pull stumps and such, he really needs a tractor. Pretty sure it has a cracked head or two, and it spews ATF when dragging stumps, but I would too.
So probably a transmission rebuild. Wheel bearings are expected to be shot, as per my father-in-law.
I'll flush/replace all fluids first, and go from there.
I needed another project, as the potable rainwater system is about to be finished.
 


RonD

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Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Looks to have a nice well used look to it (y)
 

CubeDweller

New Member
Joined
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Messages
16
Reaction score
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Location
Franklin, NC
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
RonD, it's been in the family since new, so just one owner. And better, I have the full history, as long as everyone's memory holds. The owner's manual is still in the car.
My wife and I got married in 1990, so it's going to be a keeper.
 

RonD

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Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual

CubeDweller

New Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2021
Messages
16
Reaction score
18
Points
3
Location
Franklin, NC
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
I don't think the two of us have been in the truck at the same time, never mind the minister. But I have stories about him. He used to introduce his wife to people as "This is my first wife".
 

CubeDweller

New Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2021
Messages
16
Reaction score
18
Points
3
Location
Franklin, NC
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Did I mention the pollen is fierce?
 

MXGerry

Member
Joined
Mar 28, 2016
Messages
98
Reaction score
21
Points
8
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Automatic
Welcome! Lots of useful discussions around
 

CubeDweller

New Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2021
Messages
16
Reaction score
18
Points
3
Location
Franklin, NC
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
MXGerry,
Thank you! Yes, I have been lurking for a few weeks. This group is very supportive and friendly. Lots of great knowledge and wisdom, too.
 

bobbywalter

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Messages
23,470
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Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
Nice hand me down..... Trans is a turd...but many options for stockish power levels to address that.

Or ..

5 speed swap. They sneakily slowly drop fluid from the radiator leaking and air bubble the heads gaskets off of them...

Make sure you check them....they do crack.
 

CubeDweller

New Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2021
Messages
16
Reaction score
18
Points
3
Location
Franklin, NC
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Thanks, yes, I've been looking at 5-speeds at the local-ish junk yards. Or a later automatic. The only off-roading I plan on doing is picking up a Christmas tree every December. Our Honda Element handled it well, but it'll be a lot more fun in the Mule. That said, there are a lot of fun looking roads in western NC, so who knows?
 

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